Ismaël Isaac: A Committed Voice of Ivorian Reggae

WHO IS ISMAEL ISAAC ?

Ismaël Isaac, whose real name is Kaba Diakité Issiaka, is one of the most powerful and respected voices in African reggae. Born in 1966 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, this remarkable artist has established himself over the decades as a messenger of peace, justice, and unity through music that is both deeply rooted and universal.

Humble Beginnings Marked by Resilience

Originally from Ponondougou, a village in northern Côte d'Ivoire, Ismaël Isaac grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Treichville in Abidjan. At the age of two, he contracted polio, a life-changing event that deeply impacted his life but did not dampen his love for music.

In the 1980s, as reggae was booming across Africa, Ismaël Isaac was inspired by legendary figures like Bob Marley and Alpha Blondy. He was discovered on the Ivorian television show Première Chance by keyboardist Georges Kouakou, who introduced him to broadcaster Roger Fulgence Kassy. Kassy opened the doors of national television to him, allowing the young artist to gain public recognition.

A Career in Service of Noble Causes

Ismaël Isaac is more than just a singer—he is an activist. Through his lyrics, he denounces social injustice, apartheid, terrorism, armed conflicts, and communal divisions. His voice speaks for the voiceless, and his message resonates far beyond Ivorian borders. He has become a standard-bearer of conscious reggae, following in the footsteps of his Jamaican predecessors.

Some of his most iconic albums include Tchilaba (1986), Yatiman (1989), Rahman (1990), Taxi Jump (1993), Treich Feeling (1997), Black System (2000), and Je reste (2014). These works have cemented his international reputation, with some albums even being distributed by major labels such as Island Records.

A Timeless Figure Still Going Strong

Now based in Yopougon, one of Abidjan’s most populous neighborhoods, Ismaël Isaac remains close to his audience. In 2021, he remarried Aminata Kaba Diakité and continues to lead a peaceful family life alongside his artistic pursuits.

 

Still active on the music scene, Ismaël Isaac continues to inspire younger generations of African artists. His songs, rich in hope and wisdom, serve as a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for change and social cohesion.